Here's a summary:
* Setting: The story takes place in a busy street in Malgudi.
* Characters:
* The Child: A small, thin, and hungry boy who is desperately looking for food. He is dressed in rags and his body shows signs of severe malnutrition.
* The Lady: A wealthy woman who lives in a grand house on the street. She is known for her kindness and generosity.
* Plot:
* The child wanders the street, looking for scraps of food, but finds nothing. He eventually collapses on the roadside, exhausted and hungry.
* The lady, observing him from her house, feels a pang of compassion. She decides to help the child.
* She sends her servant to bring the child food. He is given a plate of rice and a cup of milk.
* The child, overcome with hunger, eats voraciously.
* As the child eats, the lady watches from a distance, her heart filled with sadness and pity.
* She realizes that her own comfortable life is in stark contrast to the child's poverty and suffering.
* The story ends with the lady reflecting on the plight of the poor and her own responsibility to help those in need.
Themes:
* Poverty and Hunger: The story highlights the stark reality of poverty and hunger, particularly in the lives of children.
* Compassion and Kindness: The story emphasizes the importance of compassion and kindness towards those less fortunate.
* Social Responsibility: The story suggests that individuals have a responsibility to help those in need, regardless of their own circumstances.
Key takeaways:
* The story is a simple yet powerful depiction of the hardships faced by those living in poverty.
* It reminds us of the importance of empathy and compassion in our interactions with others.
* It challenges us to consider our own role in addressing social injustices.